Porto star in warning to Arsenal as Gunners told "weak points" will be exposed

20 February 2024 , 17:00

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Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is feeling confident (Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Diogo Costa has insisted Porto are ready to expose Arsenal’s “weak points” in their Champions League showdown.

‌Porto keeper Costa says they have no fears about facing in-form Arsenal who have smashed 21 goals in their past five games. Instead, Portugal International Costa, 24, says they have identified weaknesses in Arsenal’s set-up and will expose them in their last 16 clash.

Costa said: “They are quite offensive but we will explore those weaker points in their game. Of course they have weaknesses and of course I’m not going to say what they are.‌

“But we will approach every game the same - to go out and win. We do not care if we are playing Arouca or Arsenal, we go out to win every match. A team like Porto always plays to win.

“We would never look differently or approach a game differently because of who we are playing.” Arsenal are third favourites with some bookmakers to win the Champions League behind only Manchester City and Real Madrid.

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But Costa added: “If they are the favourites then they need to show why they are favourites on the pitch.”‌ Porto boss Sergio Conceição has been under pressure this season after an indifferent campaign which has left them third in the table and well off the title pace.

Manager Sergio Conceição has come under fire this season (MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Conceição’s position has been questioned even with fans in uproar at a recent supporters’ meeting but the ex-Portugal international insists they can surprise Arsenal.‌ He added: “A positive result is to win.

“That’s all. That’s what we have to aim for. We don’t want to be in the position of being the victim. The level is very high when you are in the last 16 teams of this competition.

“This is the best club competition in the world and we are at a great club so we will always look to perform with great dignity and be successful.”

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John Cross